Scott Borchetta grew up in Southern California where he played in several rock bands, and then in his own words, “I came to  Nashville on vacation in l981 and never left.”. He is an accomplished musician, having toured as a bass player with major country acts before devoting himself full time to the industry side of the music business. By the way, he started his industry music career working in the mailroom of a record company.

 

Q: What got you into the record music business ? 
A: I was kind of born into it – following my dad’s career.  I really never envisioned anything outside of music, cars and girls… still the same way today!  haha

 

Q: What do you consider your first professional break or / position in the music industry? 
A: I don’t really have one moment that I point to.

 

Q: You were several years with the label Dreamworks in the radio promotions department.  What do you consider your major accomplishments with that label?
A: Busting Toby Keith to a true headliner/mult-platinum seller.  Big hits with Randy Travis, Jessica Andrews, Darryl Worley, Emerson Drive & Jimmy Wayne.

 

Q: What were some of your disappointments with Dreamworks ? 
A: That we didn’t stay free-standing!  The local merger with UMG Nashville killed it. 

 

Q: When and why did you decide to form your own label, Big Machine Records ? 
A: Started the idea while at DreamWorks.  DW president James Stroud had always tempted me with the possibility that I would I have the chance to take over.  We also discussed a second imprint that I would run.  When the merger happened I decided right then and there that the only chance for me to run a record company was going to have to be self-created. 

 

Q: What are your main responsibilities at Big Machine. 
A: We all wear all hats.  I just end up steering most of the time… 

 

Q: You’ve Achieved a tremendous amount of success with Big Machine in a short period of time. What do you attribute this to ? 
A: I’m very fortunate in having great professionals who know their jobs.  We’re not a bunch of Johnny-come-lately’s to the record biz.  They all bought into a promise that together we could do it differently, efficiently and quickly.  But, this doesn’t mean anything if we don’t have great music that people want to own. So far, so good.

 

Q: What do you look for when scouting for new talent to sign for your label ?
A: We either love it or we don’t.  We NEVER think or say, “well, Capitol has Keith Urban… we need to find a Keith Urban!”  Completely opposite.  I met Taylor Swift and thought, “what a great lovin’ artist!”  I never thought, “okay, do I sign a 15 year-old female artist?”  It was completely a have-to-have.  And we feel that way about all of our artists.  It would kill me if any of them were anywhere else.

 

Q: Are you presently looking to sign new talent to your label ? 
A: It’s like falling in love.  You usually fall in love when you’re not looking…

 

Q: What do you feel are negative factors that may influence you not to sign a new artist ?
A: Gut feel.

 

Q: Who is your current roster of recording artists ?
A: Taylor Swift, Trisha Yearwood, Jack Ingram, Danielle Peck, Jimmy Wayne, Dusty Drake & Sunny Sweeney.  One GIGANTIC announcement coming soon and two great new artists getting ready to be in development.

 

Q: Who is your current top selling artist ? What do you attribute his or her success to.
A: Taylor Swift.  She’s totally unique & engaging.  I could write a dissertation on all the reasons why…

 

Q: What do you consider your most significant accomplishments at Big Machine ?
A: That we’re here and that we’ve been successful so far.

 

Q: Do you have any decisions that you regret at Big Machine. 
A: Only that we didn’t do it sooner! 

 

Q: Is there a hot new project you are currently working on ?
A: Oh yeah…

 

Q: How is Big Machine utilizing the internet in their marketing strategies ?
A: HUGE

 

Q: What in your opinion is causing the present declining country album sales ?
A: It’s a much bigger issue than Country Album Sales.  It’s a shift in the way entertainment is being utilized and enjoyed.  We’re going into an election year and nows the time for an aggressive politician to truly take on the real problems we have as a society with the internet. 
It’s the most amazing revolution of our lifetime but very, very soon, companies and/or providers are going to have to take responsibility for the problems.  We have the internet super-highway with no highway patrol.  Everything on the web can be and IS BEING monitored, now it’s time for somebody to be held responsible to monitor it and disallow illegal activity.  Beyond illegal downloads of music, movies, books, etc, it’s past due to stop identity theft, child pornography, online predators, etc.  We can’t fix the problem with the RIAA suing college kids.  We have to get into serious conversations with Comcast, Cox Cable - all internet providers to discuss the real future.  This ‘wild west’ mentality that anything goes, legal or not, is coming to an end.  That will lead to real solutionsAnd they’re coming.  That will be the next seismic shift in music sales, etc. 

 

Q: What is your worst pet peeve ? 
A: Waste

 

Q: What is your favorite saying ?
A: Attack all medias.

 

Q: What is your advise to an undiscovered artist who is seeking a record deal in this town.
A: Work hard, be different, work harder, write great songs, be an individual, work even harder, have a vision… and stick to it.  Don’t look for a record label to ‘anoint you a career’.  Build a career and look for a partner to help you market your music.

 

Q: What are your hobbies ?
A: Automobile racing.

 

Q: What is most important to you in life ?
A: Living every day.